Ministry with Adults

ADULT CHOIR

The Choir meets Thursdays, September to May, from 7:30-9PM and sings weekly at the Sunday 11AM Mass. The choir also sings for 9AM Mass on Thanksgiving, Christmas Midnight Mass, Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Easter Vigil, May Procession, and other special occasions as needed. It isn’t necessary to know how to read music, though it is helpful to have this skill once we divide soprano, alto, tenor and bass sections to sing harmonizing parts. New members are welcome anytime. For more information, contact Rob Bonanno at 610-630-2263 or robbo3105@verizon.net.

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION

Extraordinary (Eucharistic) Ministers assist the Priests (the “Ordinary Ministers”) with distribution of the Holy Eucharist at Mass. Extraordinary Ministers also bring the Holy Eucharist to the sick and shut-ins of the Parish, and to the patients at Einstein Hospital, East Norriton, PA. Extraordinary Ministers are appointed by the Cardinal-Archbishop at the recommendation of the Pastor for a three-year renewable term. For more information, contact Lori Connolly at 484-994-9140 or loriconnolly4@gmail.com.

FAITH IN ACTION

Faith in Action exists in Visitation Parish to fill short-term needs of our parishioners. In short, it is a “neighbor-helping-neighbor” program. The goal is to step in with meals, transportation, or companionship when an individual or family faces a need. Often the needs come because of illness, death, or other crisis. Faith in Action always needs the names of people willing to help their neighbors. Faith in Action does not hold any meetings. For further information, please contact the rectory at 610-539-5572.

FRIENDS HELPING FRIENDS

Friends Helping Friends offers the chance to live your faith by serving those in need. Through your donations to our poor box and the private donations we receive, we are able to help our parishioners and others when they have financial difficulties. Through person-to-person service, we here at Visitation B.V.M. have been able to help with emergency food, rent and utility assistance. If you are interested in getting more information, please contact the rectory at 610-539-5572.

GRIEF MINISTRY

Bringing Comfort to those who mourn.  This group meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month in the Larkin Center at 6:30 PM.  For information please contact the rectory at: 610-539-5572.

THE KING’S MEN

We as men, pledge to unite and build up other men in the mold of leader, protector, and provider through education, formation and action. Bi-weekly meetings offer masculine spirituality, by combining prayer, education, and an action-oriented component called the Four C’s. The meetings offer men an opportunity to grow in virtue and accountability using the notion that “iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17).  For more information, please contact John Doman at jmdomanjr@gmail.com or Keith Brown at kmb24life@gmail.com.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, POPE JOHN PAUL I COUNCIL

The Pope John Paul I Council, Knights of Columbus is a fraternal organization of Catholic men dedicated to the spiritual growth of its members, to creating a spirit of family within the council and within the families who support it and to a charitable presence in our parish communities, in the Church communities, and in the community at large.  For further information, please contact Gary Garofalo at (215) 287-6569 or ggarofalo10@comcast.net.  Website: www.kofc7565.org.

LEADERS OF SONG

Leaders of Song (i.e.,“Cantors”) are those individuals who lead the congregation in song during Sunday Masses and Religious functions. Meeting times will be communicated by the Coordinator.  At these meetings, songs are selected and rehearsed, and liturgical procedures are discussed. For more information, contact Rob Bonanno at 610-630-2263 or robbo3105@verizon.net.

LECTORS

Lectors are chosen from a broad mix of parish volunteers who consider it a privilege to share in the Liturgy in a very special way, by proclaiming the Word of God. Special skills are not required, but a willingness to properly prepare for an assignment is critical. Time should be spent on preparation and reflection prior to each assignment. We attempt to meet formally at least once a year as a group to discuss concerns and recommendations that will help us deepen our commitment to this important ministry. For further information, please call Bill Artosky at 610-635-1112.

THE LEGION OF MARY

The Legion of Mary formed as an “army” of active and auxiliary members dedicated to advancing the holiness of its members through prayer and devotion. The active members do door to door evangelization, visit those who are confined to hospitals, nursing homes, and are homebound. Auxiliary members are committed to saying the prayers of the Legion and a daily rosary. For further information, please call Teresa Witiak at 484-681-4204.

LITURGY COMMITTEE

Under the leadership of our priests, the Parish Liturgy Committee meets throughout the year to plan and schedule Masses and liturgical events in our parish. Through cooperative planning, representatives of the various ministries of our parish coordinate the overall liturgical calendar and themes for our parish liturgical celebrations. The Liturgy Committee recommends parish policies and guidelines for liturgical and sacramental celebrations in our parish.

MILITIA OF THE IMMACULATA (MI)

Militia of the Immaculata (MI) was established on March 19, 2002. MI members consecrate themselves to the Blessed Mother and routinely visit the prisoners and the sick, feed the poor, and distribute Miraculous Medals as a means to evangelize. The main goal of MI members is to bring souls to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through a total commitment to Our Lady. Please call Joe Valovage at 610-322-0007 or email jrvjmj@comcast.net for more information.

MILITIA OF THE IMMACULATA (MI) PRISON MINISTRY

The main goal of our MI Prison Ministry is to give the incarcerated prisoners at MCCF a spiritual roadmap for a more peaceful and joyful life. It was started in the 4th quarter of 2003 through the encouragement of Father Wilson (formerly VBVM Parochial Vicar). We recommend the praying of the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet on a routine basis. It is our experience when they do so, their chances of a true conversion are realized.  We meet with the prisoners every Thursday between 3:30 and 4PM. From September through May, we share our ministry with Seminarians from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Our parish priests hear confessions and say Mass two times a month. If you would like more information to join this ministry, please contact Joe Valovage at 610-322-0007 or email jrvjmj@comcast.net.

OUTREACH TO MISSIONARIES OF CHARITY (MOC)

Any donations of food, clothing, furniture is graciously accepted by the Missionary of Charity Sisters in Norristown to serve the poorest. You can also volunteer to serve meals at their convent house – 630 DeKalb Street, Norristown, PA. Their contact phone number is 610-277-5964. Please call Joe Valovage at 610-630-6070 or email jrvjmj@comcast.net for more information. Be assured St. Teresa of Calcutta will be pleased with whatever you can do!

MOTHERS NURTURING MOTHERS (MnM's)

Are you a Catholic Mom in need of support, encouragement, or inspiring ideas for raising strong Catholic kids? We are dedicated to our vocation as mothers, raising our children as saints, and supporting one another throughout the stages of motherhood. While many of us are newer mothers, (Pre-K and below), all mothers are welcome to join us. Please contact Claire at 724-831-8988 or email claireelesage@gmail.com for more information and to learn about our different activities throughout the year.

NEWSLETTER (the Visitation Visitor)

A quarterly news publication serving our Visitation BVM Parish family. The team is composed of members of our parish with interest in journalism, photography, or art layout. The purpose of this publication is to tell the story of the activities, events and extraordinary gestures of time and talent that occur within all of the ministries of our parish. For more information or if you are interested in joining the newsletter team, please call Joe Gavanus at 610-584-0183.

VISITATION RESPECT LIFE

The Respect Life Group is an extension of the Church’s mission to proclaim the Gospel of Life.  We use the power of prayer, faith and education to peacefully accomplish this mission.  A community aware of the threats against the most vulnerable — the unborn, the sick, the marginalized, the elderly – will transform our society into a Culture of Life.  “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.” Proverbs 3:8.  For further information, please call Judy Tartaglia at 610-584-5261 or email judycpts@verizon.net.

SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER

The Secular Franciscan Order is a branch of the worldwide Franciscan family. A call to our Order can be responded to by male, female, married, single, priests and deacons. Our purpose is to live our lives according to Gospel values and to bring these values into our everyday lives (family, friends, work place). We meet monthly for study, prayer and fellowship. All are welcome to come and see if this is for you. Call Amanda Jamnicky at 484-886-9663 or jamnickyfamily@gmail.com for more information.

VISITATION SENIOR CITIZENS

Visitation Senior Citizens is an organization that welcomes all seniors 55 and over to join us. We meet every Thursday from 11:30AM – 2:30 PM in the Larkin Center and Lower Conference Room with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Years and Holy Thursday. We offer bingo, bridge, pinochle (men’s group and women’s group). Coffee and tea are provided along with special lunches several times a year. Come and enjoy a day out and meet new friends. For further information, please call Lucille Meinville at 610-666-5784 or gramluci@comcast.net.

SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Sodality is a special devotion to Our Blessed Mother. We meet every Saturday morning in the Lower Church immediately after the 8:15 AM Mass for Miraculous Medal Novena Prayers and The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary. All are welcome-both men and women. For more information, contact the Rectory at 610-539-5572. Time of Mass and Devotions – subject to change.

TITHING

Tithing is the heart of Stewardship. It is putting trust in God and putting Him first. It is the realization that everything we have is a gift from God. We respond to His love by giving of our gifts of time, talent and treasure. For more information, contact Sallianne Tschoepe at 610-212-6673 or stschoepe50@gmail.com or consult the parish website.

USHERS/MINISTERS OF HOSPITALITY

The primary mission of the Ministers of Hospitality is to assist at Mass with taking up the collection and to assist in the orderly flow of communicants at Communion time. Equally important is to be Ministers of Hospitality by greeting churchgoers as they enter Church, assisting them graciously when required, helping visitors, and making all feel welcomed on behalf of the entire Parish. Adults of all ages and high school students are welcomed to join. For further information, please call Chris Diliberto at 610-584-6901.

VISI-BEES

Visi-Bees’ seasonal activities include helping with the Christmas Bazaar Basket Raffle and Festival of Trees and Palm Braiding Classes held during Lent.  Contact Nancy Sliner 610-630-4833 for more information.

VISI WOMEN

(formerly Visi Moms and Friends) is a group of women who meet monthly to share their Catholic faith and challenges.  We aim to inspire each other through prayer and study, discussion and reflection.  For more information, please email Bernadette at visiwomen@gmail.com.

ADDICTION SUPPORT GROUP AND HELP FOR THEIR FAMILIES

This group provides support for those suffering from addictions and their families.  For more information, please contact Barbara Brasher at bbrasher007@gmail.com or Theresa Bruckner at Tina3692@aol.com.

WEB AND SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM

Our team provides support to our parish communications personnel by helping maintain the social media platforms used by our parish to reach out to our community.  All are welcome to help, so if you are interested in joining our team or simply want additional information, please contact the rectory at 610-539-5572.